The Power of Three
We're rolling into fall on a great wind, having completed the three objectives we set for ourselves last year at this time: Finish our buildings and parking lot, operate our first Farmer's Market, and have a successful summer event.
DONE!
As the leaves start turning we've been assessing our new goals and are well on our way to implementation. We've honed in on the kind of kitchen we want to have -one that is mainly oriented for teaching and demonstration using similar facilities that one would have available in their own home. Many thanks go to Carol Evans, and Julie Doyle of NMC's Outreach Program and Lucy House of NMC's Culinary Institute who have helped immensely in creating a practical and efficient kitchen for our use. The plan is almost complete, and we know what we have to do. We are still fine tuning the design and raising money for our matching grant for this endeavor.
Program development is a major goal this year. We have several programs starting in October with more planned. The Intergenerational Group began meeting every other week beginning September 23, Sewing classes are scheduled for October, and our first of several Cooking classes in our limited kitchen began with the Women's Resource Center September 22. Victoria Velting-Luebke is heading up both the Intergenerational Group and the Sewing Classes and new members are welcome. More programs are in the design stage and they will be posted on our website www.GrowBenzie.org so check back often.
Sewing Room
Our third goal is the renovation of the greenhouses. The greenhouse committee has sourced the many opportunities available and our board just voted to begin renovating the first, north end greenhouse. We intend to complete it this fall, with seed germination in January and seedlings planted in February. Excitement abounds with this project as there are so many ways to serve the community through the greenhouse and we're anxious to begin. We hope to extend the growing season to at least 10 months, perhaps even longer without heat. If all goes well, we'd like to be a source of greens for both of our local school systems and involve students in the process. Bill Soper is heading up this project and has already put in many hours.
Bill Soper moving material in the greenhouse.
End of greenhouse with old wood removed and new partially installed around former entrance.
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